Ionic liquid-induced tunable N-doped mesoporous carbon spheres for supercapacitors. Issue 13 (15th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Haixia; Lv, Haijun; Zhang, Yue; Du, Juan; Chen, Aibing
• Is Part Of: Inorganic chemistry frontiers. Volume 7:Issue 13(2020)
• Page Start: 2548
• Page End: 2555
• Publication Date: 2020-06-15
• Subjects: Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; 546.05
• DOI: 10.1039/d0qi00375a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-1553

Abstract

Abstract : N-Doped mesoporous carbon spheres with tunable structures have been prepared by a feasible co-assembly under the induction of an ionic liquid for supercapacitors. Abstract : N-Doped mesoporous carbon spheres (N-MCSs) have shown important applications in many fields. Herein, N-MCSs with uniform spherical morphology, adjustable inner structure, and abundant mesoporous are prepared by a feasible co-assembly of an ionic liquid (IL), a silica precursor (tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)) and a carbon precursor (resorcinol/formaldehyde resin (RF)). The IL is used as a template on which TEOS and RF are assembled together through electrostatic interactions to form a spherical shape. Nitrogen in the IL results in N-doping of the carbon framework. Moreover, addition of TEOS can provide rich mesopores and cavity structures for the N-MCSs. The system solvent volume and RF amounts have a direct impact on the structure of the N-MCSs, changing from core–shell to hollow or from core–shell to solid carbon spheres. Different structures in the N-MCSs lead to distinct electrochemical properties as an electrode material. The N-MCSs have a unique core–shell structure, a crumpled surface, appropriate N-doping and a high surface area, which endows them with higher electrochemical properties of 350 F g −1 capacitance at 0.5 A g −1, good rate performance of 77.5% retention in the current density range of 0.5–10 A g −1, and long cycle life with 80.2% of the initial capacity after 10 000 cyclic tests, showing their promising potential to be used as an electrode material in supercapacitors.